Terry L Sawyers

US Patent:

20080148109, Jun 19, 2008

Filed:

Dec 18, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/611949

Inventors:

Paul D. Bashor - Cary NC, US
Challis L. Purrington - Raleigh NC, US
Terry L. Sawyers - Raleigh NC, US
Mark W. Williams - Apex NC, US

International Classification:

G06F 11/07

US Classification:

714 57, 714E11024

Abstract:

A computer system is provided that utilizes a plurality of indicator lights associated with components within the computer system. In this computer system, BIOS logic is configured to detect errors within the system and determine causes for the errors. A service processor, in communication with the BIOS logic, is configured to activate at least two indicator lights from the plurality of indicator lights to indicate possible sources for the detected errors. The service processor activates the at least two indicator lights to generate a visual pattern representative of the likelihood that a component within the computer system is the source for the detected error. The visual pattern comprises a pattern that ranges from a pattern that indicates a high likelihood of being the source for the detected error to a pattern that indicates a lower likelihood of being the source for the detected error.

US Patent:

20080154536, Jun 26, 2008

Filed:

Oct 23, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/551961

Inventors:

Henry G. McMillan - Raleigh NC, US
Christopher C. Moody - Durham NC, US
Challis L. Purrington - Raleigh NC, US
Terry L. Sawyers - Raleigh NC, US
Michael L. Scollard - Raleigh NC, US
Richard P. Southers - Durham NC, US
Troy S. Voytko - Apex NC, US
Christopher C. West - Raleigh NC, US
Christopher L. Wood - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

G06F 15/00

US Classification:

702132, 702127, 702130, 702189

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to the detection of faulty CPU heat sink coupling during system power-up. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: monitoring a slope of a CPU temperature rise from initial system power-up; determining if the slope of the CPU temperature rise exceeds an expected value; and in the case that the slope of the CPU temperature rise exceeds the expected value, indicating an existence of a possible fault (PFA) related to a heat sink coupled to the CPU.